Floating structure

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a floating structure comprising pontoons (P) that are interconnected so as to form at least one closed floating frame of any geometrical shape, which is fixed to means for stabilising and anchoring in relation to a body of water, the at least one frame (n) being secured to a sealed pocket ( 1 ) to be filled with water in order to allow the movement of at least one person, said pocket ( 1 ) being fixed to a filtering system ( 2 ). The walls of the pocket ( 1 ) are provided with flexible thread-like elements ( 6 ) that have elastic means ( 7 ) for coupling both to a framework ( 8 ) that has been secured to the at least one frame and is designed to be submerged in the body of water, and also to a part of the underneath face of the pontoons (P).

The invention relates to the technical sector of basins for swimming pools, and more particularly concerns a basin intended to be positioned on a body of water, in a floating position.

Known, in the state of the art, are floating stations for aquatic exercise, allowing anyone to practice, in deep water, all types of exercise, such as swimming, diving, . . . and this, regardless of the time of year, weather conditions, and the quality of the water where the station is installed.

In particular, an advantageous solution is found in the teaching of the document EP 1 893 828, which concerns a floating station for aquatic exercise comprising at least a floating framework which is fixed to means for stabilising and anchoring, in relation to a body of water.

The floating framework is secured to a pocket, generally in PVC, able to be submerged in water in order to constitute a structure able to allow the movement of at least one person. This pocket is connected to a water supply system, and fixed to a filtration system. For example, the filtration system can comprise an assembly submerged within the water of the pocket, and connected to a pumping assembly. The filtration unit can be mounted on a support with the ability to move in order to adapt itself, if necessary, to the level of the water. Generally, the sides of the frame consist of caissons acting as floating pontoons.

Proceeding from this state of the art, one of the technical problems that the invention proposes to solve is to control the required shape of the pocket, which tends to float and to deform after submersion, due to the movement of the water where the station or floating structure is installed.

To solve this problem, a floating cell type structure has been designed and developed comprising, in a known way, pontoons that are interconnected so as to form at least one closed floating frame of any geometrical shape, and fixed to means for stabilising and anchoring in relation to a body of water, the at least one frame(s) being secured to a sealed pocket designed to be filled with water in order to allow the movement of at least one person, said pocket being attached to a filtering system.

According to the invention, the walls of the pocket are provided with flexible thread-like elements that have elastic means for coupling both to a framework that has been secured to the at least one frame or frames and is designed to be submerged in the body of water, and also to a part of the underneath face of the pontoons.

It emerges from these characteristics that the elastic coupling means make it possible to completely maintain the shape of the pocket.

In one embodiment the thread-like elements are cables and the elastic means for coupling are springs, tensioners or similar, wherein the ends have removable fastening elements, attached, on the one hand, to the thread-like elements, and on the other hand, to the framework and to the underneath face of the pontoons.

Another problem that the invention proposes to solve is to be able to install and fasten the pocket with the latter being out of the water. For this purpose, the support framework of the pocket is mounted with the capacity for movement in height in relation to the pontoons of the frame(s) in order to occupy an out-of-water position and a submerged position.

It results from these characteristics, that after having filled the pocket with water, the framework to which said pocket is fixed, naturally descends by means of gravity.

In order to solve the problem of the movement in height of the framework in relation to the pontoons, the latter comprises a plurality of posts, wherein one of the ends thereof that is intended to be submerged is coupled to bars delimiting a closed perimeter corresponding to that resulting from the inner edges of the frame. The posts are freely engaged with the capacity for movement in height, within the pontoons. It should be noted that the posts may constitute telescopic tubes.

According to another characteristic, each post is connected at the base thereof, at the connection thereof to the bar, to the outer edges of the frame(s), by means of a flexible cable, so as to form a triangulation.

These features make it possible to avoid deformation of the submerged structure that might occur as a result of tension exerted by users.

According to another characteristic, the ends of the posts viewed opposite the submerged ends thereof, have footings for supporting and fastening the framework, and more specifically at the inner edges of the caissons constituting said framework.

According to another characteristic, the pontoons consist of caissons, wherein the inner edges have a profile for anchoring and locking the external perimeter of the pocket.

Another problem, that the invention proposes to solve, is to make it possible, if necessary, to safely walk on the surface of the basin during the assembly of the pocket, also with the objective of strengthening the bottom of the latter, thus constituting additional safely. To this purpose, the pocket receives an independent cable, within the face thereof.

Another problem that the invention proposes to solve is to be able to heat the water contained within the pocket, by means of solar energy. To this purpose the caissons are attached to, or integrated with, solar panels, and have a water circulation circuit that is in communication with the water within the pocket. Alternatively, the solar panels are integrated at the time of the design of the caissons.

The invention is disclosed below in more detail using the figures from the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view, prior to the assembly of the main components of the device, according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a frame,

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views, corresponding to FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 shows various details of the assembly of the parts that comprise the frame shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, particularly of the pocket anchorage profile,

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view of the floating structure,

FIGS. 8 and 9 are details of the fastening of the pocket in relation to the caisson (FIG. 8), and in relation to the base of the telescopic framework (FIG. 9),

FIG. 10 is a view in perspective and from below of a caisson element,

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of a structure, according to the characteristics of the invention, installed on a body of water,

FIG. 12 is a partial view in perspective, showing the pocket attachments in relation to the frame,

FIG. 13 is a partial view in perspective, showing the implementation of the pocket, before going into the water, i.e., before the insertion of the support framework,

FIG. 14 is a view of an embodiment of a caisson arranged in order to act as a solar collector,

FIG. 15 is a plan and sectional view of the floating structure, the caissons conform to the one shown in FIG. 14 for the circulation of a fluid, in the case of heating by means of integrated solar collectors.

As indicated, the floating structure, designated as a whole by (S), comprises pontoons (P) linked together in order to constitute a closed floating framework, of a geometrical shape, including a rectangular shape. The assembly, thus comprised, is attached to means for stabilising and anchoring in relation to a body of water (E). As will be indicated within the following description, the floating framework is secured to a sealed pocket (1), intended to be filled with water, in order to allow the movement of at least one person. The pocket (1) can be attached to any type of filtration system (2). These general characteristics emerge, as indicated, from the teaching of the patent EP 1 893 828.

According to the invention, from the basic concept defined in the patent EP 1 893 828, the aim is to be able to produce rectangular basins of all depths, without excluding other geometrical shapes, while controlling the shape of the pocket (1), which naturally tends to float and to deform after submersion, because of the movement of the body of water where the floating structure is installed.

The pontoons (P), linked together in order to form a closed frame of a rectangular shape in the example of the drawings, comprise caissons (3), as illustrated, particularly, in FIGS. 2 to 6.

For example, each frame (3), of a generally quadrangular shape, has, projecting from the underside thereof, projections (3 a) able to be filled with a buoyant material, for example in the form of foam (4).

The inner longitudinal edge of each frame (3) has a profile section (3 b) specifically in order to allow the clipping of a profile (5), allowing the top edge of the pocket (1), advantageously made of reinforced PVC, to be attached and blocked. The assembly, in alignment and at an angle, of the various caissons (3) is performed by all known and appropriate means.

It is to be noted that, in order to increase the width of the pontoons of the floating structure, multiple caissons (3) can be assembled side by side.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the walls of the pocket (1) are provided with flexible thread-like elements (6) that have elastic means (7) for coupling both to a framework (8) that has been secured to caissons (3) comprising the framework and on the other hand to the caissons (3). This framework (8), as will be indicated in the following description, is intended to be submerged in water (E).

The thread-like elements (6) advantageously comprise cables. The coupling means (7) comprise springs, tensioners or otherwise, wherein the ends have removable fastening elements (8), attached, on the one hand, to the thread-like elements (6), and on the other hand, to the framework (8) and to the underneath face of the caissons (3).

For example, the removable fastening elements consist of simple hooks.

According to a further characteristic, the support framework (8) of the pocket (1), is mounted with capacity for movement in height in relation to the pontoons of the caissons (3) in order to occupy an out-of-water position (FIG. 13) and a submerged position (FIG. 7). This framework (8) comprises a plurality of posts (8 a), mounted with capacity for movement in height, within the width of the caissons (3), at the inner longitudinal edges thereof. The ends of the posts (8 a) intended to be submerged within the water, are coupled to bars (8 b) in order to delimit a closed perimeter corresponding to that resulting from the inner edge of the caissons (3), after assembly (for example of a rectangular shape in the example of the accompanying drawings).

As a result of these arrangements, the bars (8) fastened to the feet of the posts (8 a) of the framework (8) are intended to enable cables (6) to be attached to the PVC walls of the pocket (1). It is to be recalled that the fixing of the cables (6) is performed by means of springs (7), in combination with removable fixing elements (9).

Furthermore, each post (8 a) is connected at the base thereof, i.e., at the connection thereof to the bar (8 b), to the outer edges of the frame (3), by means of a flexible cable (10), so as to form a triangulation.

These arrangements make it possible to avoid deformation of the submerged structure, under the effect of a tensile force exerted by users moving within the pocket (1). The attachment of the pocket (1), at both the framework (8), and the inner edges of the caissons (3), i.e., at the upper and lower part of the pocket (1), by means of springs (7), imparts a certain degree of elasticity, which makes it possible to maintain the pocket (1) by perfectly controlling the required shape thereof, thus preventing it from deforming under the effect of forces generated by the water within which the pocket is submerged.

As an indication, the cables (6) are fixed at the outer faces of the pocket (1), substantially at every fifty centimeters, being, for example, integrated into ducts (10).

The ends of the posts (8 b), viewed opposite the submerged ends of the bars (8 b), have a support and fastening footing (8 c), at the inner edge of the caissons (3).

The fact that the support framework (8) of the pocket (1) is mounted with capacity for movement in height in relation to the caissons (3), makes it possible to fasten the pocket (1) and the finished profile whilst being out of the water (FIG. 13). After the filling of the pocket, this support framework (8), to which the pocket is attached, naturally descends by gravity until the support and fastening footings (8 c) of the posts (8 a) abut against the inner edge of the caissons (3). It is then sufficient to fasten the support framework (8) in the submerged position.

Also envisaged is to incorporate into the bottom of the pocket (1) metallic bars (11), in order to impart to the bottom a certain degree of flatness. The bars are capable of being attached to the support framework (8), in particular to the bars (8 b).

According to another characteristic, the pocket (1) can receive an independent cable (12). This safety cable (12) makes it possible to walk on the surface for the assembly of the pocket (FIG. 13), and also ensures reinforcement of the bottom of the basin.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the different caissons (3) are arranged in order to act as solar collectors, allowing for the circulation of a fluid, in particular water, contained within the pocket, in combination a the filtering system (2). In this case, the various caissons have hydraulic connection systems (13) at the couplings thereof.

As is apparent from the teaching of the patent EP 1893828, the filtration system is of any known and suitable type for a person skilled in the art, and shaped in order to allow the water contained within the pocket (1) to be filtered.

For example, a system can be used implementing a sand based or other filter, attached to any electrical or solar power supply system.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, this system can comprise a filter assembly submerged within the water of the pocket (1) and connected to a pumping assembly, which may be external to the pocket or else be in the form of a submerged pump. The filtration assembly may, moreover, be mounted with capacity for movement in height, in order to adapt to the level of the water, in order to be submerged together with the entire structure.

Moreover, in order to ensure the stability and anchorage of the entire structure, the latter may be fastened to buoys attached to the bottom of the body of water, and adjusted according to the depth of the basin, in order to control the fill height and to improve the flatness of the bottom of the pocket, making it possible to ensure additional user safety.

Of course, the entire floating structure, according to the characteristics of the invention, has all kinds of external facilities, such as guardrails, lighting, a gangway, a diving board, a ladder, . . .

The advantages are apparent from the description. In particular, to be noted and remembered is the control over the required shape of the pocket in order to avoid the force exerted by the water of the basin where said pocket is submerged, in order, consequently, to avoid deformation of the pocket, which maintains the original shape thereof, rectangular or otherwise.

The ease of fixing the entire pocket, in relation to the floating frame, is also to be noted, insofar as the latter can be performed out of water, taking into consideration the mounting thereof with capacity for movement in height of the support frame where said pocket is attached. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Floating structure comprising pontoons (P) that are interconnected so as to form at least one closed floating frame of any geometrical shape, and fixed to means for stabilising and anchoring in relation to a body of water, the at least one frame (s) being secured to a sealed pocket (1) intended to be filled with water in order to allow the movement of at least one person, said pocket (1) being fixed to a filtering system (2), characterised in that the walls of the pocket (1) are provided with flexible thread-like elements (6) that have elastic means (7) for coupling both to a framework (8) that has been secured to the at least one frame or frames and is designed to be submerged in the body of water, and also to a part of the underneath face of the pontoons (P).
 2. Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the thread-like elements (6) are cables.
 3. Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the elastic means (7) for coupling are springs, wherein the ends have removable fastening elements (9), on the one hand, to the thread-like elements (6), and on the other hand, to the framework (8) and to the underneath face of the pontoons (P).
 4. Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the support framework (8) of the pocket (1) is mounted with capacity for movement in height in relation to the pontoons (P) of the frame (s) in order to occupy an out-of-water position and a submerged position.
 5. Structure according to claim 4, characterised in that the support framework (8) comprises a plurality of posts (8 a), wherein the one of the ends thereof that is designed to be submerged, is coupled to bars (8 b) delimiting a closed perimeter corresponding to that resulting from the inner edges of the frame (s).
 6. Structure according to claim 5, characterised in that the posts (8 b) are freely engaged with capacity for movement in height, within the pontoons (P).
 7. Structure according to claim 5, characterised in that each post (8 b) is connected at the base thereof, at the connection thereof to the bar (8 b) to the outer edges of the frame(s), by means of a flexible cable (10), so as to form a triangulation.
 8. Structure according to claim 5, characterised in that the ends of the posts (8 b) viewed opposite the submerged ends thereof, have footings (8 c) for supporting and fastening the framework.
 9. Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the pontoons (P) consist of caissons (3), wherein the inner edges have a profile for anchoring and locking the external perimeter of the pocket (1).
 10. Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the pocket (1) receives an independent cable (12), on the face thereof.
 11. Structure according to claim 9, characterised in that the caissons (3) are attached to, or integrated with, solar panels, and have a water circulation circuit that is in communication with the water within the pocket (1).
 12. Structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the metallic bars (11) are integrated into the bottom of the pocket (1).
 13. Structure according to claim 12, characterised in that the metallic bars (11) are attached to the support framework (8). 